Ulsan holds 20th Shipbuilding and Ocean Industry Day ceremony

Ulsan City held the 20th Ulsan Shipbuilding and Ocean Industry Day ceremony Thursday afternoon at the Ocean Hall on the third floor of the Tani Bay Hotel in Dong-gu, honoring workers who have contributed to the development of the city's flagship shipbuilding and marine industry and charting the sector's future direction.

Ulsan Shipbuilding and Ocean Industry Day was established in 2006 to commemorate June 28, 1974 — the date Hyundai Shipyard was completed and two very large crude carriers were successfully built and named. Each year, the occasion serves to reflect on Ulsan's achievements in driving the growth of South Korea's shipbuilding and marine industry as one of the world's foremost shipbuilding hubs, and to recognize the efforts of business leaders and workers.

This year's ceremony drew about 150 people, including representatives from industry-related organizations and companies, and featured commemorative addresses, congratulatory speeches and commendations for meritorious contributors. Marking the 20th edition, the event also placed special emphasis on the industry's historical significance and its future development.

Twelve individuals — business leaders and workers who have contributed to the advancement of the shipbuilding and marine industry — received commendations: four from the minister of Trade, Industry and Energy and eight from the Ulsan mayor.

The ceremony also featured a keynote address by Lee Hee-su, a program director at the Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology, who spoke on the outlook and challenges facing the shipbuilding and marine industry. Lee outlined future growth strategies for the sector, covering eco-friendly vessels, autonomous navigation technology and digital transformation.

"On the occasion of Ulsan Shipbuilding and Ocean Industry Day, the city will work with businesses to further strengthen Ulsan's competitiveness as a global hub for the shipbuilding and marine industry," a city official said.